Recherche

Government announces chiropractic funding for seniors

EDMONTON, Feb. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Funding support for chiropractic
services for seniors has been announced as part of the Government of
Alberta's proposed 2012/13 budget.

"This is a definite win for Albertans," said Dr. Clark Mills, president
of the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors (ACAC). "On
behalf of our patients, we are appreciative of our government's efforts
in supporting seniors in their desire to lead healthy and independent
lives."

The budget will be put forward for approval in the coming weeks. The
ACAC will continue to provide updates as soon as information becomes
available.

The ACAC regulates the chiropractic profession in Alberta under the Health Professions Act and is firmly committed to its mandate of protecting the public,
ensuring accountability and improving Albertans' health and well-being.
Our more than 900 licensed members are specially educated and trained
to diagnose, treat and help prevent disorders and conditions related to
the spine, nervous system and musculoskeletal system, including back,
neck and head pain. For more information, visit www.albertachiro.com.

Media Backgrounder and Facts Sheet

Public funding for chiropractic in Alberta

Public funding for chiropractic services was discontinued in 2009

The Minister of Health and Wellness has publicly stated the
discontinuation of this funding was solely a budgetary issue, done to
reallocate an estimated $50 million annually in support of
medically-required physician and hospital services, as prescribed by
the Canada Health Act

Discontinuation of funding had hard-hitting effect on seniors,
particularly low-income seniors who generally have minimal if any
extended health care insurance

In fall 2011, Alison Redford publicly stated she planned to reinstate
chiropractic funding for seniors should she win the PC leadership race

On behalf of our patients, the Alberta College and Association of
Chiropractors is appreciative of Premier Redford, the Minister of
Health and Wellness and the Alberta government's commitment to choice
for Albertans in their efforts to achieve a healthy lifestyle

The ACAC will continue to provide updates on funding as soon information
becomes available

Seniors in Alberta

There are an estimated 425,000 seniors in Alberta; more than 51 per cent
live in Edmonton or Calgary

Population projections suggest that number will increase to 642,100 by
2021; by 2031, approximately one in five Albertans will be over the age
of 65

In 2010, there were 58,900 seniors in the Alberta labour force

Alberta's employment needs will require seniors to remain active and
vital in the labour market; it is essential to keep them active, mobile
and healthy

Government of Alberta has very publicly committed to keeping seniors
living independently and in their own homes for as long as possible;
currently, 70 per cent of seniors live in their own homes

Approximately 150,000 Alberta seniors (38 per cent of seniors
population) are considered low income

When chiropractic received public funding, Alberta seniors accounted for
less than 10 per cent of the entire budget for chiropractic services,
costing less than $5 million per year; on average, seniors visited a
chiropractor seven times per year

Back pain is the second most common reason for seeing a medical doctor [Source: Health Canada]

Back pain is a significant cost driver for health care as it is the
leading cause of prescription and non-prescription drug use, medical
visits, costly and specialized diagnostic procedures, hospitalizations
and restricted physical activity [Source: WCB Alberta]

Chiropractic care has been demonstrated to be the most clinically and
cost-effective treatment for back injuries and related conditions,
occupational and non-occupational

Chiropractors receive the highest patient satisfaction ratings for
treatment of back and neck pain according to Consumer Reports, the
Health Quality Council of Alberta and a nation-wide Environics study

Research and studies have concluded chiropractic care can reduce health
care costs and contribute to improved productivity

More than half of Albertans have been treated by a chiropractor [Source: Ipsos Reid]

Almost one million Albertans visit a chiropractor each year

Alberta has the highest chiropractic utilization rate in North America[Source: Wikipedia]

The Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors (ACAC)

The ACAC regulates the chiropractic profession in Alberta under the Health Professions Act and is firmly committed to its mandate of protecting the public,
ensuring accountability and improving Albertans' health and well-being.

Our more than 900 licensed members are specially educated and trained to
diagnose, treat and help prevent disorders and conditions related to
the spine, nervous system and musculoskeletal system, including back,
neck and head pain. For more information, visit www.albertachiro.com.